Since Hurricane Irma put Florida in its sights, there have been thousands of reports of price gouging on everything from water to gasoline.
The most notable complaint was not, however, the one alleging a $72 charge for a six-pack of water. Rather, it was the $3,200 reportedly asked by Delta for a ticket out of Florida.
That’s because it wasn’t actually hurricane-related price gouging. Airlines were charging similar fares to last-minute buyers two weeks ago – and have been for years – long before Irma became a threat.

The S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism (PRT) is spending money to find out how much the state made off the eclipse.

According to PRT’s newsletter, museums, state parks, etc. were sold out or nearly sold out due to this “rare celestial event.” It goes on to say: “Because this type of anecdotal evidence is so strong all across South Carolina, we’re excited about seeing the final picture. We hope it informs us of the true economic impact of such an historic event.”

In a bipartisan effort to help more everyday Americans achieve homeownership, Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) and I have introduced legislation to include some of the 26 million “credit invisible” individuals in the housing market.

The state Comptroller General’s office released its annual budget report last month, giving citizens insight into the sources of state revenue and how that money was spent as well as suggestions for future spending. Here’s the bottom line: The government needs to spend less.

According to the report, the General Fund this year accumulated $7.582 billion in revenue, slightly more than the $7.271 billion collected during fiscal 2016. However, it states, “the revenue growth rate has been slowing during the past two fiscal years.”

Cindi Ross Scoppe is one of the most important people in South Carolina. And, she has recently put forward one of the most important ideas for this state – perhaps the most important – for the last generation or so.
Now I know that sounds like extreme hyperbole, but bear with me on this one, I think I’m right.
First, about Scoppe and her idea.

The years-long debate over South Carolina road funding stirred strong feelings all around. While tax-hike advocates made a passionate case about the need for infrastructure repairs, their plan – which raises the fuel tax by 12 cents over six years, in addition to other tax and fee increases – will put a noticeable pinch on our wallets.
It’s hard to fault those who opposed it, given the ever-increasing demands being placed on them by their various layers of government.